Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delicious combination of savory and sweet. The crispy bacon wrapped around tender chicken, combined with the rich sweetness of brown sugar and the kick of garlic and paprika, makes for a flavorful and satisfying dish. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer for your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 6 slices bacon

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
3. Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon and place them in a baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
6. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brown sugar mixture for a bit of heat.
• Add a glaze: Drizzle a little balsamic glaze or honey on top before serving for extra flavor.
• Use different bacon: Try using turkey bacon or thick-cut bacon for a different texture and flavor.
• Change the seasonings: Swap the garlic powder and paprika for other spices like onion powder or a dash of cumin for a new taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bacon brown sugar chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet to keep the bacon crispy.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips to ensure even cooking.
2. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). The bacon should also be crispy.
3. Can I prepare these chicken tenders in advance? Yes, you can assemble them in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
4. Can I use a different sweetener than brown sugar? You can substitute maple syrup or honey for brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
5. Can I cook these chicken tenders in an air fryer? Yes, preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders for about 15-18 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
6. Is there a way to make these tenders healthier? You can use turkey bacon and reduce the amount of brown sugar to make the dish lower in fat and sugar.
7. Can I freeze these chicken tenders? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
8. Can I use a different seasoning blend? Yes, feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends like Italian seasoning, barbecue seasoning, or even a citrus zest for added flavor.
9. What should I serve with these chicken tenders? Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
10. Can I make this recipe without bacon? While bacon adds a lot of flavor, you can make this recipe without it, though the result will lack the same crispy texture and smokiness. You can try using a prosciutto or pancetta alternative for a similar effect.

Conclusion

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are an easy-to-make, mouthwatering dish that brings together the best of both savory and sweet flavors. With the crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar, these tenders are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether for a quick dinner or as part of a special meal, they’re a guaranteed hit!

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